TOADY 2014: The Case for Barbie Loves Girl Scouts

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Each year, the Toy Industry Association gathers to present its TOTY (Toy Of The Year) Awards. In honor of the industry that has led the way in commercializing childhood, CCFC will present its TOADY (Toys Oppressive And Destructive to Young Children) Award for the Worst Toy of the Year. From thousands of toys that promote precocious sexuality to children and push branded and screen-based entertainment at the expense of children’s play, CCFC has selected five exceptional finalists. Our first nominee is:

Barbie Loves Girl Scouts by Mattel

Help the Girl Scouts teach your daughter she can be anything . . . as long as she looks like Barbie! The Barbie Loves Girl Scouts doll, brought to you by a $2 million dollar payoff from Mattel to Girl Scouts of the USA, features Barbie’s trademarked impossibly thin body, pink capris, and high-heeled hiking boots. Of course you can buy other, more scantily clad, sexualized, and obviously TOADY-worthy dolls, but Girl Scout Barbie is the perfect toy to teach your daughter the soul-crushing truth that everything is for sale—including the nation’s largest leadership organization for girls.

"Girl Scouts say their mission is to build "girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place." It is disgusting that they would connect with Barbie, especially given the evidence that playing with Barbies limits girls' confidence in their bodies and future professional opportunities." - Laura Schram

"It's flat out offensive to have a nationally recognized girls leadership and service organization accept funds from a commercial toy that represents the worst stereotypes of women. While we strive to teach our daughters that beauty comes from the inside, we should not promote goods that teach the exact opposite." - Michele Wheeler

"This horrifying toy is letting girls down in two ways: promoting body image problems, and showing that their beloved Girl Scouts could be sold to the highest bidder!" - Elizabeth Versten

"...I really was so disappointed that an organization that taught me about leadership, friendship and service is now teaching commercialism." - Brandy King

"Barbie could be a Girl Scout, but she shouldn't be the exemplar. Symbolism matters." - Susan Dobra

"The Girl Scouts sold out. Barbie is almost the polar opposite of what the Girl Scouts (used to) stand for and now they're pairing up? This is a huge loss for the Girl Scouts and an even greater loss for brave girls everywhere." - Kasandra Dewbre-Burrows

"This unholy alliance between Girl Scouts and Mattel takes consumerism and hypocrisy to a whole new level. Follow the money--this one STINKS!" - Lori Day

If you have yet to make your pick for the 2014 TOADY award, you have until Sunday, December 7th to do so! Click Here to cast your vote!

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I was a girl scout troop leader for my daughter's troop for 5 years when she was in elementary school (she is now 15). I became extremely disillusioned by the organization, as they purported themselves to be a non-profit agency, but were selling high priced items in their Girl Scout store, and their cookies have been turned into candy bars and ice cream flavors. The fact that they have sold themselves out to Mattel is not surprising, shame on them!!!!!!!

My daughter just joined the girl scouts. I was reluctant to let her as when I was a girl scout years ago I didn't find it interesting or challenging, but I was assured by leaders that everything is different now. As I was paying a lot of money for badges and a vest, I saw that idiot Barbie for sale. If I hadn't already paid I would've changed my mind about "Scouting" right there. What's next, badges for Fashion and Vomiting up your Dinner?

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